Reclaiming the Ancient Manuscripts of Timbuktu

<< Back to Page 1   Page 2 of 2

However, through the efforts of the Timbuktu Heritage Institute, the manuscripts of Timbuktu are beginning to be re-catalogued, preserved, and protected against theft.

Issa Mohammed, president of the Timbuktu Heritage Institute, said: "By stopping the illegal trafficking, not only we are preserving the heritage of Timbuktu, of the Islamic world, and of Africa, but we are preserving a message of love, peace, and living together in a multicultural world."

Today Timbuktu, designated as World Heritage Site by the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), lies at a crossroad. Forgotten for centuries to the sands of the Sahara desert, Timbuktu's rich legacy of sacred manuscripts could possess a treasure chest of African history.

Stories in This Series:
Tribe's Cultural Survival Preserves Fox Prophets, Sacred Masks
In Sahara, Salt-Hauling Camel Trains Struggle On
Reclaiming the Ancient Manuscripts of Timbuktu
Explorer Wade Davis on Initiative to Document Cultures on the Edge

<< Back to Page 1   Page 2 of 2


SOURCES AND RELATED WEB SITES

ADVERTISEMENT

EMAIL NEWSLETTERPhotos and News of the Week

Get the top photos and news of the week from National Geographic News, plus occasional breaking-news alerts.   See Sample >>
Please enter a valid email address
Thank You! Subscription accepted. An email confirmation will be sent.
Privacy Policy

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC'S PHOTO OF THE DAY

NEWS FEEDS     After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed.   After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed.

Get our news delivered directly to your desktop—free.
How to Use XML or RSS

Photo and Headline Widget

Put our latest news and photos on your Web page or desktop—automatically updates! See Sample
Click here to get 12 months of National Geographic Magazine for $15.